Chapter 556

Despite constantly checking the garden around them, Elain did not see anyone else nearby. Vassa didn't seem to be trying to wrap up the conversation either, and Elain didn't know how she was expected to maintain her polite small talk any longer. The way the redheaded woman was looking at her began to get under her skin rather quickly, and she wondered if Vassa was doing it deliberately.

"What brought you out here?" Elain asked, "You seemed to be enjoying yourself inside with Kera earlier."

"Yes, I saw you watching us…" Vassa gave Elain a knowing smile, and Elain looked for a way out of that.

"I found it interesting," She said, "That Kera has taken to you so quickly, when she was certainly less than friendly when I first arrived, to the point of being downright rude; especially to my friend Sheera."

"The one Tamlin snuck off to visit from the flower shop?" Vassa tilted her head, "Yes, I have heard about her."

"Right," Elain nodded, "So, seeing Kera so friendly with you… was … interesting…"

"Because I am mortal?" Vassa's blue eyes were bright.

Inclining her head, Elain bit her lip. "I suppose so?"

"Kera does not seem to mind." A brilliant white smile followed, "Perhaps because I am a Queen."

"Perhaps." Elain did not know where this conversation was heading, or what Vassa wanted. "Did you follow me out here?" that white smile widened. "Why?"

"We don't know one another well…"

"You've said this…"

"Your sister does not like me…"

"Which one?" Elain asked mildly.

"Nesta."

Giving a half-shrug, Elain just looked at her for a moment. "She has her reasons."

"She's jealous of the relationship I had with your father."

Elain did not respond.

"I think you're jealous too…" Vassa went on, and Elain raised an eyebrow. "Of the relationship I had with Lucien."

Elain felt as if every hair on her body stood on end. "I wouldn't call it a relationship." She said, pleased with how steady her voice sounded.

"What would you call it?"

"A friendship?" Elain replied, feeling ice move through her veins. "No matter how much you wanted it to be more than that…"

"I donn't know what he's told you…" Vassa waved her hand, and Elain blinked.

"The truth." She said blankly, "We always tell one another the truth."

"Oh." That hand waved again, "How can you know that…"

"Because of the Bond." Elain interrupted, patience wearing thin, "Something you clearly do not understand. Lucien and I are mated. If you have any idea of what that entails you would understand that we see and feel one another always. There is no hiding any part of ourselves, it is open and honest and complete sharing. There are no lies, and nor is there a desire for there to be." Vassa was looking at her, an odd look in those bright blue eyes. "I know what you did." Elain said, "When we visited that little manor you're living in. I know what you were trying to do the whole time."

"Do you?"

"You cannot have him." Elain said simply, "I've told you this before. Lucien and I are mates. That means that we were made for one another. We are supposed to be together for all eternity."

"From what I have heard," Vassa replied, voice quiet, "Mates are not always well suited…"

"You think Lucien and I are not suited?" She couldn't help the incredulity in her voice. "You don't even know me."

"I know enough." Vassa replied, "I've spoken with others who know you." Elain knew that meant Graysen, and she barely bit back a snarl. "Lucien is fire." Vassa said, "I am fire. He would be so much better off with me. We are the same. Everyone knows you are a cold and frigid little thing…"